Chapel Post

Proposed ELCA Sexuality Statement

Proposed Social Statement
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust

http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/JTF-Human-Sexuality/Proposed-Social-Statement.aspx

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This letter introduces the proposed social statement entitled Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, which fulfills the 2001 Churchwide Assembly mandate “to develop a social statement on human sexuality.” (CA01.06.45)

Another mandate was received in 2007, assigning us the task to address and make recommendations on ministry standards. That mandate is addressed in a separate document under the title of “Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies.”

We of the task force have been continually humbled by the trust our church has placed in us as stewards of ELCA Studies on Sexuality. As a Christian community, we have engaged in a remarkable and challenging journey of claiming one Lord, one faith, and one baptism while differing, sometimes passionately, with one another on issues surrounding human sexuality.

We knew when we accepted the call to serve on this task force that we would face challenges and controversies. Each one of us had experienced them in our local settings. However, the task of representing this church has increased the weight of responsibility and deepened our understanding of this church's differing convictions. The hope of finding a clear path to full consensus among us on what was most controversial has not been realized. We have worshipped, prayed, reflected, argued, sung, laughed, sputtered in anger, dissolved in sorrow, fallen prey to discouragement, and been surprised by joy and hope.

God has used this calling to bind us to each other in surprising ways, despite our disagreements, and to change us all.
God has used this calling to bind us to each other in surprising ways, despite our disagreements, and to change us all. In our efforts to contribute to this difficult journey you share with us, we have clung tenaciously to Paul's exhortation to rejoice and pray in all circumstances and to his conviction that we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:4–6; 4:13).

In that confidence and hope we commend for consideration to this church the proposed social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. It addresses a broad spectrum of concerns relevant to human sexuality from a distinctively Lutheran perspective. It is sourced by deep Scriptural insights about the character of right relationships, God’s work in creation, use of the Law and grace-filled dealings with us. It juxtaposes those insights with awareness of new knowledge about sexuality and gender and forty years of changes in cultural practices and attitudes. It seeks to spell out guidance for discerning what love of neighbor means for responsible action today.

This proposed social statement reflects careful attention to the many voices lifted across this church over the past six years. In 2008 alone, we have participated with you in over 110 synodical hearings. Each written communication has been read individually by at least several members of the task force. We have sought to understand the reasons behind different and, often, contrasting opinions so as to create a strong proposed social statement.

This proposed social statement received nearly unanimous support by the task force, though several members could not concur with all sections for various reasons. While these reservations exist, all affirm that it has been crafted through open and respectful dialogue in which every member has contributed significantly to the outcome. Grounded in our experience of strengthened community and faith through this deliberative process the task force has full confidence that this church, despite our disagreements and differences, will continue to live faithfully together for the sake of the gospel.

As we conclude our work we want to indicate our lasting gratitude to this church. We are grateful for the perseverance and commitment shown by the ELCA as a whole in this ongoing journey. You have encouraged us to believe that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is able to find ways to speak powerfully when it has consensus and to find ways to live together faithfully when it does not.

We are also indebted to so many for the countless prayers and expressions of care that have sustained us over these years. These expressions of Christian love have sometimes been shared amid anguish, disappointment, and sharp disagreement. They have encouraged us in our weariness to remain in good faith.

On behalf of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality,

Rev. Peter Strommen, Chair
Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, Minnesota

Posted by Sam at 9:45 PM